News Release

Providing Typhoon Relief for the Philippines

Lions Clubs International Foundation has awarded US$35,000 to support Lions in District 301-E, Philippines, in their relief efforts following Typhoon Washi. As reported by Reuters, the national disaster agency said 957 were killed and 49 were missing, with most of the casualties in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in the Mindanao region. The disaster agency said more than 338,000 people in 13 provinces were affected by the disaster, with nearly 43,000 still in evacuation centres.

Lions in the affected area are already distributing relief supplies and organizing assistance programs.

“Two cities, specifically Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City, have been badly affected by the typhoon. Many houses have been washed out. We badly need the help,” wrote Lion Allen Rose Elliott in an e-mail to LCIF. “We have been doing a lot of relief operations around the city to help the people recover with the tragedy. As of now, My fellow countrymen are in need of a pair of slippers, food, water, blankets and other relief items. Thank you so much for the concern- we really appreciate the help.”

Lions’ relief efforts made possible through LCIF funds were publicized in the local newspapers Manila Bulletin and Tempo.

Lions around the world are organizing fundraisers to donate to LCIF to assist with disaster relief.

“The Seattle Bituin Lions Club in District 19B, Washington, USA, is raising money to help the typhoon victims. The members of our club are mostly Filipino-Americans, and in fact our First Vice-President is from Cagayan de Oro City, which has been hit hard by the typhoon. Thank you LCIF for helping the affected cities in the Philippines,” said Lion Bert Caoili.

Lions have a long history of providing disaster relief to areas most affected by disaster. Lions wishing to help continue this legacy may donate to LCIF’s disaster fund. All donations are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. Donations can be made online by selecting “Disaster.” For questions regarding donations, please contact LCIF at donations@lionsclubs.org or (630) 203-3836.

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Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world with 1.35 million members in 208 geographic areas and countries. Over the last 10 years, LCIF has provided US$50 million for disaster relief. LCIF has been named the #1 NGO according to a Financial Times study. Learn more about LCIF online at www.lcif.org.